Christian group rejects US lawmakers' letter; clarifies its extremists, not Hindus

Stating that it is erroneous to accuse Hindus for the 2008 Orissa violence, a local Christian group criticized the letter written by 21 lawmakers from US to Orissa Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik calling for prosecution of perpetrators of violence in Kandhamal.

The term "Hindu extremists" in the letter by the group of US senators is "unfortunate", says Swarupananda Patra, president of the Orissa Minority Forum.

"Criminals have no religion and what happened in Kandhamal last year was a criminal act," says Patra who feels that majority Hindu in India has been "supportive" and does not market violence.

The letter of 21 US senators led by Mr Trent Franks released Friday had condemned attacks on religious minorities and expressed concern over "Hindu extremists acting with impunity".

It stated that such attacks threatened "not only India's reputation for religious diversity, but also the very stability of India's secular democracy."

Taking an exception over the remarks, Patra clarified that the local government was providing relief and many rehabilitation programmes were already under process for the Christians.

Patra suggests that instead of advisories, the US lawmakers should try to involve the international community in providing relief to the people of Kandhamal. "Blame games will only strengthen criminals, it is time to help the victims of violence," he suggests.

He also opines that blaming Hindus only breaks down the relationship between both and makes minorities unhappy. Hinduism's secularity is probably unknown to the US lawmakers, he adds.

Meanwhile, some Hindu organizations have strongly opposed to the letter and questioned the US interference in "Orissa's internal problems".

Hindu Jagaran Sammukhya Orissa chief Ashok Sahu said the letter was "uncalled for and the US lawmakers have no role to play in Orissa matters."